UPDATE: Decorah High School junior Jayden Lundtvedt has been named a finalist in the prestigious “Know Your Constitution” Project, hosted by the Iowa State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. This announcement comes as part of a competitive initiative involving over 600 students from across Iowa, with only 106 finalists selected.
The awards luncheon honoring the finalists will take place in Des Moines on January 23, 2024. Five outstanding students will be chosen through a random drawing to receive scholarship grants, recognizing their exceptional efforts and understanding of constitutional law.
The “Know Your Constitution” Project is designed to enhance students’ appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. Participants, including Lundtvedt, were required to engage deeply with Constitution-related topics. Each student completed a quiz and wrote an essay based on this year’s challenging subject: the 6th Amendment guarantee of legal counsel. This essay prompt was inspired by a recent case reviewed by the Iowa Supreme Court and references the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright.
Finalists for the “Best Essay” category will be featured on the ISBA website, with the overall winner set to be announced during the awards ceremony. This initiative is not only a testament to the students’ hard work but also highlights the importance of understanding constitutional rights in today’s legal landscape.
The Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division sponsors this impactful program with funding from the Iowa State Bar Foundation, aiming to inspire a new generation of civically engaged citizens.
As this news develops, the community looks forward to celebrating the achievements of Lundtvedt and his fellow finalists, emphasizing the significance of constitutional education in shaping informed future leaders. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting event!
